X Factor’s Tate Stevens on Missing His Family and How He Knew His Wife Was the One — Exclusive

The X Factor Season 2 contestants dedicated their November 21, 2012 performances to their loved ones for whom they are most thankful. Fan favorite Tate Stevensdedicated Lonestar’s “I’m Already There” to his father, who gave up his dream of music to take care of his family and be a devoted father. Speaking exclusively with Wetpaint Entertainment after the emotional performance, Tate revealed more about what he’s thankful for this Thanksgiving. What else are you thankful for besides your dad?My family and friends. I’m thankful for this opportunity. I’m from a small town in Missouri and things like this don’t happen to people like me so its very cool. Who do you miss the most at home? Is its safe to assume the answer to that is your lovely wife and high school sweetheart?You know, it’s kind of cool because I knew, we knew, right away. I dated other people and they’re cool, but I just knew. It was weird because I felt different. We had been dating for about a week and I was like, “What’s the deal? Like, I can’t breath!” I didn’t know. I was talking to my parents and my mom was like, “You have no idea what love is, you’re kids, you’re 17, it’s puppy love, it’s more of a crush type of thing.” And, I was like, “No, its different!” About two weeks into the relationship, I remember just sitting there and we were talking, sitting on the couch and watching a movie and I looked at her and she wasn’t paying attention. I was just like, “I love you!” I miss my kids, too. I love being a dad. First and foremost, that’s my job. But, I miss her, too. It gets to the point where I call and wake them up. It’s like midnight there because its two hours difference. That’s the hardest part about being here, but they’re here and we’ll spend thanksgiving together, so that’s cool.